He was a staple at the Midvale Main Street Theatre. Yesterday, Tammy sent the following letter to the cast of Hairspray! and Sweeney Todd:

This is truly one of the saddest days in my life and one of the most difficult things I’ve had to write. Early this morning we lost another amazing cast member. Russ McBride passed away from a massive stroke. I do not have much in the way of details yet but as soon as I do I will pass them on to you.

What a great gift it was to any of us who shared the stage with him or were witness to his comic genius on stage with Quick Wits. His memory will live on here at the the theatre as we all mourn his loss but remember the wonderful friend, father & performer he was.

I want to take the chance to tell you all how much I love you, it’s important to me that each of you know how much you mean to me and I know that Russ felt exactly the same.

Russ’ viewing will be Monday, December 10th from 6-8pm at Myers in Roy 5865 s 1900 w in Roy. The funeral is Tuesday, Dec 11th at 11am (viewing that day from 10-10:45) at the Chateau Park Church (formerly 3rd, 8th, 23rd wards) building, 5930 s 2200 w in Roy. We would love to show Nik how loved his dad was…..

The only thing worse than the pain we feel in losing such a friend is the thought that we might not have had the chance to care for one another at all. Within the walls of the Midvale Main Street Theatre, strangers become family. And life becomes richer and more blessed than any of us might have imagined.